Diagnostics and checks of the starting system (Defender 2007+)

Inspection and verification

1. Check the customer's complaint.

2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.

Visual check

Mechanical elements	electrical equipment
• Starter • Engine (rotates freely)	• Accumulator battery • Fuses • Fuse circuit 5, under seat fuse box • Main fuse • Starter relay • Harness (s) electrical wiring • Damaged, loose or corroded electrical connectors • Ignition switch • Generator • The engine control unit (ECM)

3. If an obvious cause of the problem you identified or described by the client is found, eliminate it before proceeding to further actions (if possible).

4. Read all DTCs before referring to the symptom table or DTC index (DTC) using an approved diagnostic system or scan tool.

• Clear all DTCs after troubleshooting.

Symptom table

sign	Possible reasons	Operation
Engine won't crank (starter does not turn)	Accumulator battery Starter relay Output circuit high resistance Output circuit short circuit to battery Immobilizer received wrong key code Wiring harness / electrical connectors Starter ignition switch Generator Engine jam	Check the condition and charge of the battery. Check for DTCs (DTC), indicating a malfunction of the immobilizer. Check the electrical circuits of the starter relay, ignition switch and alternator. Refer to electrical manuals. Check if the engine turns freely.
Engine won't crank (starter rotates)	Starter installation Starter Flywheel/faceplate ring gear	Check starter installation (tightening of fastening elements, correct location of the starter relative to the engine, etc.). Check the flywheel/faceplate ring gear for damage, foreign objects, etc.
Engine cranks too slowly	Accumulator battery Wiring harness / electrical connectors Starter Oil grade	Check the condition and charge of the battery. Check starter electrical circuits. Refer to electrical manuals. Check the brand and condition of the engine oil.
Engine cranks too fast	Low compression in the engine	Check up a condition of the engine and a compression in cylinders.
Increased starter noise	Starter Flywheel/ faceplate ring gear Starter installation / starter housing	Check starter installation (tightening of fastening elements, correct location of the starter relative to the engine, etc.). Check the condition of the starter housing. Check the flywheel/faceplate ring gear for damage, foreign objects, etc.

See section 100-00 for a complete list of DTCs that can be logged in the vehicle. For more information, see: How to use this manual (100-00 General information, Description and principle of operation).